Bentonville’s Ward 1, Position 2 city council seat will be decided in a special election scheduled for next month. The race pits interim council member Dan Grover, a longtime Bentonville resident, against Dylan Shaddox, a city employee from neighboring Bella Vista who lives in Bentonville.
Candidate backgrounds
Dan Grover has called himself a “Bentonville believer,” emphasizing his more than two‑decades of residency and deep ties to the community. He says the city’s biggest challenge is the need to halt the postponement of major capital projects because of budget constraints. “Having to continue to kick major capital projects down the road because we can’t afford to pay for them,” Grover explained, “so the number one opportunity I see is financial responsibility and economic development.”
Dylan Shaddox describes himself as a problem solver. Though he works for the city of Bella Vista, he lives in Bentonville and says his platform focuses on improving infrastructure, responsive government, and better transportation options. “Infrastructure, responsive government, and better transportation and connectivity throughout Bentonville,” Shaddox said, “just make sure people can get through the city of Bentonville in a safe way, in cars or bike or other modes of transportation such as walking throughout Bentonville.”
Key issues for voters
Both candidates agree that Bentonville’s growth demands thoughtful planning, but they differ on how to achieve it. Grover’s emphasis on fiscal prudence aligns with the community’s desire for balanced budgets and continued investment in economic development. Shaddox’s focus on multimodal transportation reflects a broader push for safer streets and more options for families and commuters.
Local residents have expressed support for both approaches. Some cite the need for responsible spending to keep essential services funded, while others point to traffic congestion and the desire for bike lanes and sidewalks as pressing concerns.
Election details
The special election will be held on the same date as the regular municipal election calendar, allowing voters to cast ballots at their usual polling locations throughout Bentonville. Voter registration remains open, and the city encourages all eligible residents to participate.
Ballots will list Dan Grover and Dylan Shaddox side by side, with space for write‑in candidates. Early voting locations are available for those who prefer to vote before Election Day.
What’s at stake
The winner will serve the remainder of the term for Ward 1, Position 2 and will join the council as it tackles upcoming budget cycles, infrastructure projects, and community development initiatives. The council’s decisions will directly affect local schools, public safety, and the quality of life for families across Bentonville.
Community leaders urge voters to consider each candidate’s vision for fiscal responsibility, transportation safety, and overall quality of life. As Bentonville continues to grow, the council’s role in shaping that growth becomes increasingly important.
For more information on voting locations, registration deadlines, and candidate statements, visit the City of Bentonville’s official website or contact the Bentonville Election Commission.
Original reporting: 40/29 News KHBS Fort Smith (local) — read the source article.
